Preserving work of a friend, mentor

Artist repainting Regina chapel's inscription

12:40 AM,
Oct. 14, 2011

Paul Herrera touches up paint Thursday on the exterior slate inscriptions on Regina High School's chapel. Herrera repainted the same carvings 17 years ago and apprenticed under the original designer, the Rev. Edward Catich.

Written by

Mitchell Schmidt | Iowa City Press-Citizen

Paul Herrera worked tediously, peering through his black-rimmed glasses while perched on scaffolding. With careful brushstrokes, he touched up images of angels wielding musical instruments originally designed by his former mentor and friend. The yellow paint soon will be covered with 23-carat gold leaf.

This marks the second time Herrera has repainted the black slate inscription on the exterior of Regina High School's chapel - the last time being 17 years ago.

Herrera began repainting the slate designs a month ago and said he anticipates at least another week's worth of work. ...